Take A Stand Against Sitting

Take A Stand Against Sitting

We know sitting too much is bad, and most of us intuitively feel a little guilty after a long stint in a chair which is why it’s time to take a stand against sitting. But what exactly goes wrong in our bodies when we park ourselves for nearly eight hours per day, the average for an Australian adult?

Over the past 10 years study after study has confirmed sitting for prolonged periods of time is harmful to our health. Some of the negative effects include an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, links to high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. As leaders in workspace management solutions, both Fellowes and Safco have worked tirelessly to design products which combat this problem and offer the perfect solution.

Like many people, I have a job that involves sitting in front of a computer most of the day. I too have fallen victim to slouching in my chair which has caused me neck and back pain. The only way to correct this was to change my habits and I did this with my Lotus Sit-Stand Workstation in conjunction with a Zenergy Swivel Ball Chair (orange being my colour preference) and an Anti-Fatigue Mat.

The Lotus Sit-Stand Workstation is easy to use, adjustable, and worry-free. Plus, it’s been engineered with the durability to transition from sitting to standing multiple times a day. All this adds up to a better sit stand experience and one you, like me, will want to use every day.

The Safco Zenergy Swivel Ball Chair is adding a little bit of fun to your working environment while providing the small movements that it needs. It provides an active sitting experience by promoting movement through leaning, bouncing and swivelling. This movement may help engage core muscles and keep the body in an active posture.

I generally switch between sitting and standing on an hourly basis throughout the day. As I begin to slouch I simply raise my workstation but when I become tired from standing I’ll park my derrière back down onto the chair. Since adopting these positive habits into my workspace I have reduced my neck and back pain considerably and have even noticed my alertness has increased. Now, instead of three coffee’s a day I’m down to only one – that’s also good my health!

In summary, two hours of sitting cancels out 20 minutes of exercise whereas you burn 30 percent more calories when you are standing. Prolonged sitting has been linked to high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol along with other health risks while research shows a 46 percent increase in workplace productivity with use of standing desks. So what are you waiting for? Start alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day and be on the way to living a healthier & happier work-life.